The Premier League has formally said that Ipswich City defender Leif Davis was despatched off for “endangering the protection of an opponent” throughout his aspect’s defeat to Arsenal.
Davis obtained a straight purple card from referee Chris Kavanagh after a harmful problem on Bukayo Saka, through which he raked his studs down the again of the Arsenal winger’s Achilles. Saka was left in seen ache and required a number of minutes of remedy earlier than persevering with.
The incident was reviewed by VAR, which upheld the referee’s determination. In a put up on X (previously Twitter), the Premier League wrote:
“The referee’s name of purple card to Davis for critical foul play was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the problem deemed to be endangering the protection of an opponent.”
On the time of the purple card, Ipswich had been already trailing 2-0, with targets from Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli placing Arsenal in management.
Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson, analysing the sport for BBC Radio 5 Dwell, criticised Davis’ problem, calling it “very poor” after reviewing the footage.
“I can completely perceive the purple card while you break down that sort out. It’s so intentional,” Upson stated.
The dismissal additional dented Ipswich’s probabilities within the match, and the Premier League’s backing of the choice highlights its agency stance on harmful play.
